It had to be said, the Miteer Auction House's publicity was incredibly powerful. Just one day after Xiao Yan handed over the Foundation Elixir to the auction house, almost all the major and minor powers in Wutan City learned of the news. Instantly, everyone's blood began to boil with excitement.
Unlike the previous auction of high-grade Profound-tier cultivation techniques, that kind of heaven-tier item was only within the reach of a select few powerful factions. Weaker forces could only watch and sigh.
The Foundation Elixir, however, was far more practical for many people. Because it could quickly help their descendants become Dou Disciples, many elders were willing to spend money on this practical yet not overly expensive spiritual medicine.
As news of the Foundation Elixir spread boisterously throughout Wutan City, Xiao Yan, deep within the clan, also caught wind of it. Seeing these seven bottles of impure Foundation Elixir being publicized so grandly, he truly felt the allure of elixirs on this continent.
On the second day, the Xiao Clan also received an invitation from the Miteer Auction House. Perhaps because Xiao Zhan had previously purchased a Foundation Elixir for Xiao Yan, several elders within the clan were also interested, especially those who still had descendants yet to reach the Dou Disciple level; they were particularly eager.
In the afternoon, Xiao Yan had originally intended to go out alone, but Xiao Zhan sent someone to inform him. Left with no choice, he could only follow the messenger to the clan's main gate.
Upon arriving at the main gate, not only was Xiao Zhan there, but several elders were also present, making the scene quite lively.
Looking up at Xiao Yan slowly approaching, Xiao Zhan grinned and waved, urging him forward.
Seeing his father urge him, Xiao Yan sighed and walked closer, his eyes flicking to the two people beside Xiao Zhan, his brows slightly furrowing.
"So slow, like an old woman..." Seeing Xiao Yan frown, Xiao Yu, after waiting a moment, also grew a little annoyed and coldly spoke up to tease him.
"It's none of your business." Xiao Yan glanced at Xiao Yu, his indifferent tone almost making someone grind their teeth to dust.
"Pfft." Amidst the crowd, a young girl's light laughter rang out like a silver bell.
Raising his head, Xiao Yan saw Xun'er standing among the crowd. He shrugged at her and smiled, saying, "You're going to the auction too?"
"It's quite boring in the clan; going to take a look is good..." Xun'er stepped out of the crowd, stood beside Xiao Yan, and said with a casual smile.
"There's nothing much to see, just some Foundation Elixirs. They're of no use to you anyway," Xiao Yan said with a casual laugh.
"Hmph, nothing much to see? If you didn't have it, how could you have caught up to my level so quickly?" Xiao Ning, who had been beaten by Xiao Yan two months prior and forced to recuperate, watched the two of them converse so intimately. His face twitched, and ignoring the still-painful scar, he opened his mouth to mock them.
"Are your bones itching again?" Blinking, Xiao Yan said with a half-smile.
"You..." Xiao Ning angrily clenched his fists, then immediately relaxed them, saying with a cold laugh, "Don't get too smug. I should even thank you for injuring me last time. If not for that period of recuperation, I wouldn't have been able to reach the ninth stage. In seven days at most, I'll enter the ninth stage. By then, who knows whose bones will be itching!"
Hearing Xiao Ning's words, the surrounding elders and clan members couldn't help but look at him in surprise. The Great Elder beside him, his aged face showing a hint of smugness, was probably thinking that his grandson had brought him great honor.
Xiao Zhan frowned, glaring angrily at the Great Elder. Just as he was about to wave his hand for everyone to depart, he caught sight of the amused expression on Xiao Yan's face. He couldn't help but be startled, swallowing the words that were about to come out.
Looking at Xiao Ning's smug and sneering expression, Xiao Yan opened his mouth, was silent for a moment, then shook his head. He said softly and helplessly, "This... it's nothing really. A few days ago, I accidentally... reached the ninth stage. It seems you're probably still slower than me."
"Uh..."
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, the surrounding clan members instantly fell silent, their surprised gazes shifting to Xiao Yan. Accidentally... broke through?
Shaking their heads with wry smiles, everyone secretly thought to themselves, this little fellow really knows how to intentionally put others down. Poor Xiao Ning...
Hearing Xiao Yan's words, Xiao Ning's smug face suddenly stiffened, and his mouth twitched. He stared intently at Xiao Yan, and after a moment, his spirits fell, and his expression softened in dejection. He had originally thought that reaching this stage would allow him to regain some face, but he hadn't expected it to be an even heavier blow.
With a jade hand, Xiao Yu pulled Xiao Ning, who was still reeling from the blow. She glared fiercely at Xiao Yan, but this time she didn't open her mouth to mock him, only muttering to herself, "How exactly does this bastard Xiao cultivate? It's only been two months... How has he already reached the ninth stage?"
Even though her usual relationship with Xiao Yan wasn't good, Xiao Yu still felt a shock in her heart because of Xiao Yan's cultivation speed.
"Haha..." Seeing the surprised expressions on the surrounding clan members, Xiao Zhan's brows instantly relaxed. He laughed heartily a few times, then glanced at the Great Elder's helpless expression and said with a loud laugh, "Let's go, let's go! The auction is about to begin. Everyone, don't delay any longer, or it wouldn't be good if we're late and someone else snatches it."
His gaze followed the Great Elders as they walked out of the main gate. Xiao Zhan couldn't help but turn around and rub Xiao Yan's head, saying with a joyful laugh, "Not bad, not bad! You've made your father proud. These old fellows have mentioned no less than ten times in the past few days how good their grandsons are, annoying me to death. Isn't it just because they want the clan to buy their grandsons a bottle of Foundation Establishment Spiritual Liquid? Truly troublesome, old and still greedy."
His hair ruffled, Xiao Yan let out a wry laugh and shrugged innocently. He lifted his feet and walked out of the main gate, saying helplessly, "I originally didn't want to say anything, but that fellow kept bringing it up, what could I do...?"
Xiao Ning, who had just walked not far from the door, heard Xiao Yan say that, and his mouth twitched. He truly felt a little depressed and wanted to cry.